Saturday was not the best day for Martin O’Neill.
The Republic of Ireland manager already had a problem in terms of striking options – with Shane Long limping out of a Europa League clash in the San Siro last week – but now he’s got a defensive headache to go add to his list of concerns, which also includes a hamstring injury to midfielder James McCarthy.
Saturday afternoon saw two Irish defenders fail to even make it to half-time in the Premier League, and gave O’Neill something to think about ahead of Ireland’s upcoming World Cup Qualifier in Austria.
Left back Stephen Ward, who has started all three of of their Qualifiers thus far, was forced out of Burnley’s clash at Old Trafford in the first half.
44 – Burnley sub: Flanagan for the injured Stephen Ward 0-0 #ClaretsLIVE
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) October 29, 2016
Centre-half John O’Shea has been reduced to a bit-part role with the national team in recent months but he remains a key figure in the squad due to his top flight experience and his 116 caps for Ireland.
He too came off before the break when Sunderland were defeated by Arsenal in Saturday’s early kick-off.
42' O'Shea leaves the pitch early on his 350th @premierleague appearance – due to injury. @papydjilo15 replaces him pic.twitter.com/Noag7gprMp
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) October 29, 2016
O’Neill takes Ireland to Vienna in two weeks’ time and this is not the news he would have needed as he aims to keep the undefeated qualification campaign going.
On the bright side, we know of a young defender in fine form who is just waiting on the call to make his first appearance for the senior team.
Pick up the phone, Martin https://t.co/z3MvDEuhUr
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) October 29, 2016
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